How to start thinking about versatility

If you follow any fashion bloggers/influencers on social media you’re seeing all kinds of 5 second clips and snippets on putting an outfit together. You most likely see someone wearing 5 different outfits in about 5 seconds. And while they all look great, 10 minutes later you can’t remember what she paired with what.

So here I will give you a few tips to help you use what you have in your wardrobe to mix and match pieces and create an outfit. First off, your wardrobe is unique to you. It’s supposed to be. You should be buying pieces that you love that flatter your body shape. Keep in mind that you’re not supposed to be able to exactly replicate what any fashion blogger is showcasing with what you have. Also, unless you have the same body type as the model you’re looking at, those same clothes will not fit you the same way. And that’s ok.

So instead, take inspiration from what you see and apply it to what you already have. Most likely you’ll be able to create new outfits from the clothes already sitting in your closet. And if you find additional items that you think would pair well with what you have…. that’s exactly how you should be thinking about shopping!

Let’s start with the basics. The weather is still warm here in New England. (Although that will not last much longer.) I’m not quite ready to put away all those summer clothes just yet. So keep your t-shirts in rotation and add a pair of pants. Depending on what’s in your closet and where you are heading, the pants you wear can be jeans/ corduroy/ cotton pants… whatever is comfortable for you.

Ok so we’ve got the basics down. Now if the weather calls for it, add a jacket. You can’t go wrong with a denim jacket, but any jacket will do. A quilted jacket will give you a little extra warmth if needed. If you’re looking to buy a jacket, neutral colors are best because they pair with everything.

Now for your shoes, keep it in line with where you are heading. Sneakers for a kid’s playdate, flip flops for quick errands and nice weather, flats for lunch with a friend.

Accessories include any jewelry or a bag. I always carry a bag with me, but which bag depends on where I am headed. If I’m out running a couple errands, I can take my crossbody. If I’m going with the kids I need room for snacks and water so I take a tote bag. How you accessorize your outfit is completely up to you but changing accessories can change the outfit.

Now, let’s say you need to dial it up a little. You need to look a little more put together than the t-shirt and cotton pants you wore to the park. Not to worry! A simple change of tops will have you on your way in no time. Instead of your comfy tee, pull on a blouse. A simple cotton blouse or button-down shirt with a little detail (think puff sleeve or ruffle hem) can go a long way to helping you look like you put in a little effort for the occasion.

Finally, let’s consider a scenario where you need to pull of slightly more sophisticated look. You are heading to dinner with friends at a chic new casual place. You want to dress up that casual vibe. Start with the base pant & blouse. If you have a blouse with detail, this is a great option. Continue to dress up your look by adding a wedge or pump shoe & some statement jewelry. Add a blazer or trendy jacket to elevate your look even further. Finish your outfit with a sophisticated clutch.

I hope you can see that facilitating the transition of your outfit throughout your day or week doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keeping your wardrobe pieces simple and your color palate close to neutral when it comes to basics can make all the difference in creating a versatile wardrobe. You should be able to find ease in pairing your tops and bottoms for a variety of occasions. Buy pieces that build a wardrobe you can make the most of!